Madonna still brings heat, beats on ‘MDNA’

Madonna

“MDNA”

(Interscope Records/Live Nation)

Madonna says it best on the opening track of her 12th album: “No one can put out my fire.” At 53, she’s still got it going on. And thankfully so. Her newest release, “MDNA” -- her first apart from her longtime label, Warner Bros. -- is full of upbeat dance jams and simmering slow grooves, and it delivers for the most part. True, it’s not nearly as top-notch as past records from the pop icon; the songs on “MDNA,” despite some risqueuro language, are much safer and tread familiar ground. Still, there are some standouts.

“Girl Gone Wild,” produced by Benny and Alle Benassi (Chris Brown’s “Beautiful People”), starts things off nicely with its European flavor and addictive hook. Then there’s “I Don’t Give A,” the second track on the album to feature Nicki Minaj, and the better one (first single “Give Me All Your Luvin’” sounds like a Gwen Stefani demo circa 2004, and that’s not a compliment).

The album’s best song is “Love Spent,” with its Bollywood beat. It finds Madonna calling out a lover with lyrics like: “You had all of me, you wanted more, would you have married me if I were poor?” It’s worth noting that the album is Madonna’s first collection of new songs since she divorced director Guy Ritchie in 2008. Bitter much?

(AP)


Richie’s classics freshly done on new CD

Lionel Richie

“Tuskegee”

(Mercury Nashville)

Lionel Richie named his new album “Tuskegee” for his Alabama hometown, a subtle reference to his southern roots. By remaking his hits with such country stars as Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, and Shania Twain, he makes those ties explicit.

“Tuskegee” may play on a well-worn concept -- a legendary singer pairing with younger artists on classic tunes. But, with few exceptions, these recordings come off as carefully considered, with fresh arrangements that highlight the strengths of the material and the talents involved.

Richie’s voice sounds as smooth and rich as ever, adding new wrinkles to his phrasing. Of the guests, those rising to the occasion include Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, who performs a dramatically beautiful “Hello”; country rocker Jason Aldean, who shows he’s a fine balladeer on “Say You, Say Me;” and Kenny Chesney, whose intimate tones work well on the romantic “My Love.” Only a couple of songs don’t work: Jimmy Buffett, for one, turns “All Night Long” into a steel-drum workout that sounds stiff instead of joyous.

All in all, Richie proves his middle-of-the-road pop has more in common these days with contemporary country than with modern pop. The album also underscores that country music, or any genre, benefits from strong melodies and powerful performances.

(AP)

Busker Busker releases debut album

Busker Busker

"Busker Busker"

(CJ E&M)

Busker Busker, who rose to fame through Mnet’s reality talent show "Superstar K3," released its first debut album as professional artists on Thursday.

The album has 11 songs all written by band leader Jang Beom-joon even before they appeared in the audition show. The songs are rearranged with classical strings, keyboards, drum and guitars in the album, making Jang’s acoustic music more attractive than before.

With Jang on vocals and guitar, Bradley Rey Moore on drums and Kim Hyeong-tae on bass, the trio delivers fresh, creative sounds as well as somewhat old-fashioned but passionate lyrics.

The title song "Cherryblossom ending" and also other songs like "First Love," "Spring Wind" and "Alleyway" are already gaining popularity on online music services where dance songs by idol groups dominate.

The band may have disappointed many after their decision to withdraw from the music scene indefinitely late last year, saying that they needed more time to think about their future as a team. However, the band has returned with an album filled with genuine charm that should placate many fans.

(christory@heraldcorp.com)